Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball suffered a fractured right ankle during Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, likely ending his injury-plagued season.
This is a significant setback for the Hornets, who have struggled this season and are currently in 14th place out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
Ball had missed the first 13 games of the season due to a Grade 2 sprain of his left ankle and reinjured it three games into his return, causing him to sit out another 11 games. Despite the setbacks, he was having a career-best season, averaging 23.4 points and 8.5 assists per game before Monday’s game.
The Hornets have struggled this season, partly due to the absence of Ball and Miles Bridges, who has been dealing with legal issues. The team’s win over the Pistons put them in 14th place out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only the Pistons themselves. The Hornets will likely miss the playoffs this season, but they are optimistic about the future.
The injury to Ball came as a shock to the Hornets, as it didn’t involve contact with another player. He fell to the court after planting his right leg on a crossover dribble and heard a loud “bang” when it happened. The Hornets are hopeful that Ball will make a full recovery in time for next season.
The future of the Hornets remains uncertain, but the team is determined to bounce back and compete at the highest level. The injury to Ball is a setback, but the team is confident that they have the talent and potential to overcome it. The NBA draft will be a crucial step in the team’s rebuilding process, and the Hornets will be looking to make the most of their opportunity to land a top prospect.